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Blake Snyder, blog, blogging, challenges, dogs, exercise, Facebook, goals, Goodreads, health, Mary K Greer, plotting, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading, recommended reads, ROW80, Save the Cat, Scrivener, tarot, Twitter, Who Are You in the Tarot, writers, writing
Last week I mentioned in the comments that I plotted the Steampunk story based on a 3 Act — 9 Block — 27 Chapter template. There was some interest in what exactly this was.
I use Scrivener and I’m always searching out new ways to work within the program. That is exactly how I stumbled upon this method of plotting.
(She has a couple other videos detailing this further.)
I like that each chapter is named with the main action that should be shown in the chapter. I overlaid the Beats from Save the Cat
My real challenge is that I have always felt my characters become flat when I plot yet when I write by the seat of my pants my story sucks. So I’m attempting to use the plot for the story while pantsting the characters. I just hope I can pull this off and do justice to this story.
What do you think about the 3 Act — 9 Block — 27 Chapter method?
On to ROW80
Yearly Goals
- I have once again registered on Goodreads to read 100 books. However, this may change as I plan to put writing before reading this year.
- Lose 50 pounds. I slacked off the last part of 2013, ’nuff said. – Tracking this is pending the purchase of a new scale.
Quarterly (AKA ROW80) Goals
- Draft and Edit the Steampunk story I attempted for NaNo 2013. Oh, and figure out a title.
- Rough goal of drafting 6 chapters per week in January. – Not attained this week.
- Rough goal of editing 6 chapters per week in February.
- With an aim to get out to Beta Readers in March.
- Read Who Are You in the Tarot?
by Mary K. Greer and do the applicable exercises. – Still pending.
Monthly Goals
- Read, at least, one paper book. With the ease of carrying my eReaders around my poor paper books have been neglected. – Still pending.
- At least, one date night with That Man. – Still pending.
Weekly Goals:
- Spend a minimum of 3 hours per week on writing. – Target attained.
- Maintain 3 blog posts per week. – Target attained.
- Visit and comment on at least 12 blogs per week, 3 of which HAVE to be ROW80 blogs. – Target attained with 28 blog comments (8 were ROW80).
- Connect on Facebook and Twitter with, at least, one non-blog post or share per week. – Target attained on Facebook, I’m not sure about Twitter.
- Maintain books read on Goodreads. – N/A, I only read a beta this week.
- Exercise 3 times per week. – Not attained. I have to reestablish my yoga space post Christmas and Beastie Girl wasn’t having anything to do with a D&E walk due to the temperature. Apparently, when your hair isn’t even half an inch long walks in 40 degree weather isn’t high on the priority list. Who was I to argue.
You can find and support other ROWers HERE.
Raelyn Barclay 
I sympathize with the lack of exercising this week. Ugh. Not a good week for it.
Good progress on the rest of it, though! But I miss your red & green color coding… 😉 (Though I did remember to steal it from you…)
And I hadn’t heard of that plotting method before. Since I plan to use Scrivener for my next novel, maybe I’ll try using it to plot it, as well.
I debated using the colors. I may add them back 🙂
Report back if you do use it Nicole. It’d be fun to compare notes. Thanks for swinging by.
In regards to the 3 act set up, I have to admit that is something that I think is ingrained in me. I recall reading Neverlove and realizing I’d written it in a 3 act format without intending to.
I think three acts is pretty standard whether you have three equal length acts or break the second act in two parts. Something about the flow of this spoke to me. Whether it works for me is still up for debate.
Thanks for stopping by Angela.
I’ve not seen that plotting method exactly – pretty interesting! I like the multiple thirds. Makes it feel very symmetrical which appeals to me. I took some notes for the next book I’m plotting!
There is definitely something to the symmetry. I keep hoping I’ll find that one thing that can be the bones for all stories. (Probably spinning my wheels with that one, LOL)
Thanks for swinging by Joely!
A friend of mine tipped me off to Scrivener went it dropped in price to $20 so I snapped it up. Sadly, I haven’t used it yet!
But I do use the 3-act play. My other tool is using the try/fail method where my characters have to try and fail at something, each time turning the stakes more dire.
I think you’ll really like the program. It can do so many things no matter how you write. I’ve even started a recipe file 🙂
Thanks for swinging by Maria.
I still use the pen and paper method for plotting, but then I transfer it to Scrivener (love!). One time I used color coding for character POV.
Best wishes on your 2014 goals!
I usually start with a pen and paper too.
Thanks for stopping by Angela.
You had a really great week, Raelyn. I know your calendar is usually packed, and you did great fitting things in. Best wishes with your health and writing in 2014! (I need to buy a scale too.)
Thanks Julie, and back at you 🙂
I haven’t used Scrivener yet, although I’m thinking this is the year to start. So many of my writer friends have such good things to say about it! I’m also trying to blend my natural pantser ways with a plotting method that works for me. It takes a lot of patience and trial and error, I have to say. Sounds like you had a productive week. Congrats!
I definitely recommend Scrivener. Lots of trial and error and stories needing different things 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Denise.